How to buy doors that don't suck... (info-dense episode)

Big thanks to Endura for sponsoring today's episode.

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Huge thanks to our Show sponsors Builders FirstSource, Polywall, Huber, Rockwool & Viewrail for helping to make these videos possible! These are all trusted companies that Matt has worked with for years and trusts their products in the homes he builds. We would highly encourage you to check out their websites for more info.

[warrenerickson]

I built a secluded home in the country, so I was concerned about security and used commercial doors with metal frames cemented into cement block walls for the exterior. One day, I arrived home and opened the screen door to find a huge footprint on one of the doors. I'm sure somebody took a trip to the hospital after failing to break in.

[gtotrips]

I dunno if he mentioned it, but for actual residences, solid interior doors GREATLY reduce sound/noise transfer; That’s another reason to pay more if one’s budget allows for it. Secondly, there’s plenty of room on solid doors for ripping and planing, where you really have to be careful with hollow cores.

[dtsang]

I love this affinity towards higher end products & his attention to detail. I've gotten so many ideas from him. Don't see many builders like him any more. Now, it time to work on my home upgrade list...

[Lolatyou]

This is one of the reasons I actually like my old home.
They used extremely dense wood throughout the house, the doors are actual wood that are dovetailed/glued together. The floor joists are so dense and strong that I could barely even hammer nails into it for holding wiring.

[michiganengineer]

For interior doors I want solid wood _NOT_ MDF. For exterior doors I want insulated steel and steel frame for security and energy efficiency. I DO like that Endura locking mechanism.

[caesarsoto]

Those 60 dollar doors, prepandemic were 25 dollars. At 25 they made sense cuz u could replace later

[chelin]

I installed wood doors (interior) for the first time and the difference was so remarkable that surprised me even though I was expecting improvement. The “feel” of the door in general and specially when operating the door; Worth every penny 👌🏻

[rkestes]

I thoroughly enjoyed this video Matt. For 30 years I have enjoyed high quality, Solid Wood doors throughout our log home. In fact, I have come to take them for granted. This comparison video has reminded me just what terrific doors they are. Now that I am finally looking at down-sizing, I know for a fact that Additions, Repairs and Upgrades will almost certainly be a part of my future as I transition. Your video has enlightened me to the many fine options I will have to choose from. I am looking forward to the possibilities. Thanks again for the valuable content ! From "The Farm" in Michigan. Keith

[BigGuy]

I needed an exterior door that could handle a very large dog flap. The only way I could get that and have it hold up, was to use solid core. Instead of cutting a large hole in an expensive door, I just made a plywood sandwich with different thicknesses to give me the thickness I needed. Glued them all together, cut my hole to install the flap, and voila: A nice solid door that has held up for about 15 years so far.

[MrFriday]

Being able to walk though a door like the coolaid man has its benefits! Doors are definitely some of the most overlooked items In a house for sure.

[henrywight]

I have been in the trades for over 40 years (yes, I’m old) in my career I have stick built over 10, 000 doors. If it is hung properly and maintained with a good paint seal. Any door is a good door if it is installed and maintained. Just one carpenters opinion.

[stupendas]

Loved the commentary from the guy who took apart the doors. So true !

[LincolnLog]

I grew up it in what would be considered a "McMasion" home. It had all 6-panel hollow core doors. What I would say matters more is the air sealing around said door to eliminate sound travel. I used weather strips on the other rim edges of the door and reduced the noise from downstairs by about 85% (it was an open high ceiling home. If budget and retrofit is your thing, I recommend trying this before spending $15, 000 on solid core doors.

[jsoverton]

Brent is a very knowledgeable guy and his dedication to preserving craft is admirable, but the land he lives in has no correlation to reality for 99.9% of folks buying houses. There’s a long list of things that we as builders need to do better before we get to interior doors, and having outrage about hollow core interior doors seems a little silly when we’re still sheathing houses with cardboard and bubblegum in certain parts of the country.

[rogerhodges]

Wood entry doors with clear finishes (stain and varnish) remain a problem if the wood is exposed to sunlight. There is no finish that is truly UV stable. A porch sheltered mahogany entry door is going to require sanding and revarnishing every 3 to 5 years regardless of how well sheltered the door is.

[dietpop]

went with 1 3/4" solid doors for my interior doors, love them.

[michaeltca]

Nice! -- QUESTION -- Hey Matt, I hate to do this to you, but I think it is about time to start planning for a new "Real House Build" series.. Maybe you can do it in the north east or Canada, a cold climate, that most of us live in, to show how it is done from beginning to end. Ask all those suppliers to get on board and lets start this all again please! You may be surprised what a success this will become.

[wg]

Loving these videos. Especially as a new outside sales rep for Builders FirstSource. Learning so much

[ppainterco]

35 years ago, I made my own rail & stile doors for my house. It’s a project unto itself, I think it took me 6 weeks to build the 11 doors.

[radmanrob]

Live in Flagler Beach, FL now.. Moved (retired) from Acworth (north) Georgia.. Our new home is a 1900 sq ft 3/bdrm 3/ba. every door is a 3.0 x 8ft.. 5 years now and fit finish and operation is flawless. My comment is you didn't cover 8 ft tall doors which have become very popular here.. Would like to hear the Pro opinions on 8 footers as they seem to be the new standard here in Florida... PS we are looking to move to higher ground after 4 huricanes which have brought yard flooding and this latest got our pool.. Thanks, Rob...